A 180-Square-Foot Brooklyn Studio Squeezes in an Impressive Amount of Separate Living “Zones”

Name: Emily Regina Stambaugh and my boyfriend and partner, Espen
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Type of home: Studio Apartment
Size: 180 square feet
Years lived in: 3 months, renting

Living in 180 square feet — successfully, functionally, and beautifully — is a feat for anyone. But for TWO people… that’s just incredibly impressive. Apartment Therapy featured designer Emily Regina Stambaugh‘s 180-square-foot studio apartment in this house call last year, but a few photos just weren’t enough to capture all the amazing small-space ideas contained within. Emily has a degree in interior architecture and design and is the founder of Regina Creative, and she put all of her skills to work in this absolutely tiny space. For even more in-depth looks at how she makes such a small studio apartment home for herself and her partner Espen, watch her video house tour above!

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: While the space is small, it exceeds in function and style! We chose the unit because of the designer finishes like the marble tiles, exposed brick (and hello AC). The space was very challenging to design as I really had to make every inch count. We have multiple “zones” of the space that include: entryway, living, dining, library/office, and sleeping. In every zone, I focused on how I wanted each space to function as with a limited floor plan, there is no room for clutter. Creating clever storage was also a challenge as we have so many combined jackets, books, sports equipment, and arts and crafts in the space. Not to mention we are constantly cooking or baking in this space. We spend a lot of time in the space and I’m so happy with how it turned out.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Refined industrial

What is your favorite room and why? As it’s all one room, my favorite “zone” is the library. The open glass bookcase divides the living from the sleeping area while allowing light to flow freely through the space. I purposely chose a low-profile couch for the living area to create a more intimate separation. I also went high again in the dining area so the island doubles as kitchen prep space. When people think of dividing a space, they usually only think laterally, whereas here I’ve also divided the space vertically. In doing so, your eye moves naturally through the space.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I bought this awesome rolling kitchen island that provides so much storage and even has a built-in spice rack!

Any advice for creating a home you love? To create a space you love, make sure you put thought into each piece as well as how the space comes together as a whole. Don’t be afraid to edit and always changes things up until they function in the best way possible.

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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